# Arrests of Albanian nationals in Greece for past murders

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/arrests-of-albanian-nationals-in-greece-for-past-murders
> Updated: 2026-11-06T13:21:24.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 2.

Greek authorities have arrested two separate Albanian nationals in connection with unsolved murders from 2020.

In early November, a 26-year-old suspect was apprehended in Greece following an international manhunt coordinated by Interpol. He is suspected of involvement in the 2020 murder of Spartak Dervishi in Thessaloniki, where the victim was allegedly assaulted and stabbed. Albanian authorities have begun extradition procedures for the suspect.

Shortly after, police arrested a 44-year-old Albanian national, identified as Nikolin Pali, in Patisia accused of a double murder in Loutraki in October 2020. The victims, Svetlana and Ioannis Zonitsas, were reportedly killed with an axe. During the arrest, which involved a coordinated operation by EKAM and a prosecutor, officers recovered a loaded pistol, two functional hand grenades, two detonators, and three pairs of handcuffs.

Investigators believe the motive for the 2020 killings was related to the suspect’s inability to accept a separation from the female victim. Pali allegedly used falsified identification to evade justice and faces charges including premeditated murder, robbery, and arson. During the raid, police noted the suspect was reportedly preparing for a new armed attack. Following his arrest, the suspect reportedly confessed to two additional murders allegedly committed in Albania before 2002. Greek authorities are investigating these claims, which may involve contract killings, and are coordinating with Interpol and Albanian authorities. Additionally, a 41-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of harboring the criminal.

## Claims

- An Albanian national was arrested in Kato Patisia for a double murder in Loutraki in October 2020. (reported by 19 sources)
- The suspect allegedly used an axe to kill his former partner and her partner. (reported by 18 sources)
- Police seized a silver pistol, two functional hand grenades, and two detonators during the arrest. (reported by 13 sources)
- The suspect reportedly confessed to two additional murders committed in Albania before 2002. (reported by 10 sources)
- The suspect was wanted by INTERPOL in Albania for attempted armed robbery. (reported by 8 sources)
- A 41-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly harboring a criminal and violating immigration laws. (reported by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-06: Albanian national arrested in Athens for 2020 Loutraki double murder

An Albanian national was arrested in Athens for the 2020 Loutraki double axe murder. He reportedly confessed to two additional murders in Albania and was found armed with a pistol and grenades.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-authorities-arrest-suspect-in-2020-loutraki-double-murder

### 2026-11-01: Albanian suspect arrested in Greece for 2020 murder in Thessaloniki

An Albanian man suspected of the 2020 murder of Spartak Dervishi in Thessaloniki has been arrested in Greece.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/albanian-suspect-arrested-in-greece-for-2020-murder-in-thessaloniki

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Cite as: Arrests of Albanian nationals in Greece for past murders. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/arrests-of-albanian-nationals-in-greece-for-past-murders